Make saving automatic: Set your thermostat fan switch to “auto” to save energy. Leaving it in the “on” position keeps air running constantly.

Block the sun from overheating your home! Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs.

Insulate your walls with injected foam insulation to help you save energy by keeping hot outside air from seeping through porous block walls — check with your local building supply company for details.

Give your AC a tune-up. Running an inefficient AC system can result in high monthly bills.

Open interior doors so that cooled air flows freely throughout your home.

Repair leaky ducts to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Install attic insulation and sealing any attic leaks to reduce high home cooling costs.

Check for household leaks to make sure air isn’t escaping through openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows.

Decorate for a cooler home by hanging light-colored curtains that allow light to enter a room while blocking some of the sun’s rays, and light paint colors to reflect heat.

Close unused air vents. If you have central AC you can close air vent in rooms you’re not using so you’re not paying to cool them.

Plant trees to provide shade on the sunny side of your home.

Use ceiling fans to cool off for less. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave — they only cool people, not rooms.

Install more ceiling fans. Because the breeze of a fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler, you can raise that thermostat and still stay comfortable.

Raise the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees to save on your cooling costs.

Source: Adapted from 100 Ways to Save Energy at Home by Duke Energy

Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Center, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.